The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has decided to adjourn the collation of results for the Bayelsa governorship election. This decision was conveyed by Faruk Adamu Kuta, the Returning Officer for the election, at the INEC Collation Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, late on Saturday.
The collation, which was set to occur, has been rescheduled to commence at 10:00 am on Sunday. The election had been completed in most areas of the state by Saturday evening.
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Although the overall process transpired relatively smoothly in the oil-rich coastal state, a few incidents added tension before the governorship election. An INEC official was abducted on Friday while awaiting transportation at the Amassoma Jetty; fortunately, the official was later released. Additionally, a mishap occurred when a boat carrying electoral materials capsized on the eve of the election.
While the voters who participated in Saturday’s poll generally praised the process, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan expressed concern over the increasing frequency of off-season elections. He emphasized the need to address this issue, stating it diverges from global best practices. He made these remarks after casting his vote at Ward 13, Polling Unit 39, Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Jonathan highlighted the potential ramifications of continuing with off-season elections, drawing attention to the American system as a benchmark for established election timelines.